Difference Between Adderall and Vyvanse

Drugs are chemical substances that can benefit as well as can cause harm to the body, depending on how the drug is consumed. Most drugs are stimulants of the central nervous system and has the potential to affect the mental state. Such stimulants are also used and prescribed as medications. Two common central nervous system stimulants are Adderall and Vyvanse.

Adderall vs Vyvanse

The main difference between Adderall and Vyvanse is that Adderall is made by mixing four different salts of amphetamine, whereas Vyvanse is composed of only lisdexamfetamine, which is a type of amphetamine salt. Adderall is not a prodrug while Vyvanse is a prodrug, that implies that the body converts the constituents before being active.

Adderall is a type of drug. The constituents of the drug consists of four salts of amphetamine, that are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine help in controlling impulse and hyperactivity as it acts as a stimulant to the Central Nervous System and chemically affects the nerves and the brain.

While, Vyvanse is a type of drug that is composed up of only one amphetamine salt i.e., lisdexamfetamine. It also helps in controlling impulse and hyperactivity as a stimulant to the CNS. This drug is used to treat “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD) in children above 6 years of age and adults. It is also used in treating an eating disorder.

Comparison Table Between Adderall and Vyvanse

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a type of drug. The generic name of the drug is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. The composition of the drug consists of dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. If Adderall is consumed by a normal person, then this drug can make that person feel calm and focus even more. Adderall is generally consumed for reducing hyperactivity and improving attentivity tenure.

The dosage of Adderall lasts for about 4 hours. There are a lot of safety measures and side effects an individual should know before consuming this drug. Adderall is a habit-forming drug and is often exploited for drug abuse. As Adderall is a stimulant it can cause heart attack, stroke and even sudden death to an individual having high blood pressure or any heart disease.

This drug or medicine should not be consumed if one individual has injected methylene blue or have a history of taking MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. If an individual has a history of bipolar, depression or any mental illness, then consuming Adderall can worsen it by causing severe psychosis. An individual cannot consume Adderall if they have stimulant intolerance or are allergic to it. Individuals having high blood pressure, severe anxiety, glaucoma, vascular disease, overactive thyroid, history of drug addiction and heart or any coronary artery disease should not consume Adderall. Adderall is not approved to be consumed by any individual lower than 3 years of age.

A pregnant woman must prescribe a doctor before consuming this drug or it may result in the stillbirth of the baby, premature birth or lower weight of the newborn baby. Individuals who consume Adderall must consume it first in the morning with or without food. It must be stored away from heat, moisture and light at room temperature. An individual must avoid consuming fruit juices or vitamin C while consuming Adderall, this can lower its efficiency by absorbing the medicine less.

What is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a type of drug. The generic name of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine-dimesylate. The drug takes about 2 hours to take effect in the body. The drug is available in capsule as well as chewable tablet form, and cannot be injected or inhaled. The absorption rate of the drug is slower. This drug is used to treat “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD). The drug also has another active ingredient called lysine. The body absorbs lysine rapidly and actively.

Vyvanse is a drug that can also be habit-forming and is exploited for drug abuse. Individuals having heart diseases and high blood pressure must not consume Vyvanse as it can cause stroke, heart attack or even death. There are certain side effects and safety measures one should take before consuming Vyvanse. The dose of the drug can last about 14 hours.

An individual must not have a history of MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. One must not have a drug abuse or alcohol consumption history or habit while consuming Vyvanse. Overconsumption of this drug can cause psychosis in a person who has a history of bipolar or depression. It may also cause fingernails and toes discolouration. Overdose can also be fatal. The drug even has the potential to affect the sleep cycle.

The most common side effects of Vyvanse include insomnia, very fast heart rate, feeling anxious, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach ache, vomiting and loss of weight, etc. individuals who consume Vyvanse must store it in a cold and moisture less place and must also keep it away from sunlight or heat. One must not crush or chew the capsule; it must be swallowed by water.

Main Differences Between Adderall and Vyvanse

1. Adderall contains four different salts of amphetamine, whereas Vyvanse contains only one salt of amphetamine.
2. The generic name of Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine while the generic name of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine-dimesylate.
3. Adderall is used for treating changes in sexual desires, euphoria and muscular breakdown, whereas Vyvanse is used for treating breakdown and feeling recklessness, etc.
4. Adderall can be consumed in the form of chewable tablets and capsules, whereas Vyvanse can be consumed only in the form of capsules.
5. The main salts of Adderall are Amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, whereas the main salt of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine salt.
6. Adderall was legalized in the year 1997, whereas Vyvanse was legalized in the year 2007.

Conclusion

Adderall and Vyvanse are two different drugs that are made of amphetamine salts. Both the drugs are widely prescribed to treat ADHD. Both the drugs raise the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and control the impulses.

Adderall and Vyvanse have nearly the same side effects and works equally well. The only positive note is that Vyvanse is not exploited for drug abuse as that of Adderall. Both the drugs have serious side effects and should be consumed under supervision of a specialist. Self-prescription of the drugs should be avoided.

References

1. https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/pdf/10.1521/capn.2013.18.4.1
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054712468486